Hot Ground Gym - Libertyville

Fantastic experience: Our kindergartener had a fantastic birthday party at Hot Ground Gym! All of the parents afterward were asking for information on the classes and one of them told me after their child wanted to switch their party to have it there. The instructors were so great with the kids, it was really cool to see how they gave them confidence in what they could achieve by leading them through obstacles and team building exercises. The sword cake cutting and lifting the birthday girl in a boat were real highlights, she will not forget this day! They also did an excellent job managing all of the logistics, making it very easy as a parent to "host" the party. Highly recommend for parties or classes, we loved it!

Fantastic experience: We had a great time at my son’s 8th birthday. The kids were engaged the whole time and they had a blast. The staff were so attentive and helpful with every piece of the party. We had quite a few kids requesting they have their party there next! Highly recommend!!

Fantastic experience: I cannot begin to say how much our family LOVES Hot Ground Gym. We have a 9, 7 and 5 year old in their program - each of varying athletic abilities and risk tolerances - and they each adore their weekly classes, which are fun, thoughtful and always a challenge. As soon as one weekly class ends, there is always a countdown until when they can go back. The program has been an amazing bright spot for us through COVID and the winter months. As a parent, it's been such a joy to watch our kids grow both physically and mentally through the HGG program. Building mental toughness, working as teams, managing risk and working outside their comfort zones are just a few of the things they tackle every week and in turn, my kids' self confidence and self worths have soared. Huge thanks to Sam and Doug - these two are the very best around and run an amazing program. Highly recommend anything they put together.

Fantastic experience: Our organization hosted a team building activity, at Hot Ground Gym, for a group of kids ranging in grades 4th-8th. All the kids had a great time! The team at Hot Ground took the time to ask which team building aspects to focus on and did a great job meeting the needs of the kids. The team was professional, kind, flexible, energetic, and all around great people to work with. I would highly recommend this facility for birthday parties and/or team building activities for kids of various age ranges!

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym was an awesome spot for our 8yr old’s bday party! Over 20+ kids for a 1.5hrs and the staff had no problem keeping them entertained and focused. They not only got to run around on the obstacles, but complete missions which the kids loved. Amazing job and definitely recommend it!

Fantastic experience: My 11 year old had the BEST time with his friends at his birthday party! All the staff was incredible at communication and taking care of everything for the party. I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: Both my sons love HGG!!! My youngest watches videos of big brother from class and tries to replicate the exercises at home. The classes are truly designed for kids at all different skill and confidence levels and we love the way it’s made my older son embrace team sports more. He’s always been very cautious and somewhat shy and HGG is truly helping him learn to trust his body and coaches and try things he normally would steer away from. HGG makes kids physically stronger while simultaneously making them mentally stronger and more disciplined. Best class we’ve ever signed up for!!!

Fantastic experience: We are so glad we chose HGG for our daughter's 11th birthday party!! Sam and the staff were like a well oiled machine with set-up, running the party activities (which were AWESOME) and clean-up afterward. The gym and viewing area were clean and organized, the leadership/teamwork aspect of all gym activities made it super fun and a positive experience for the kids. We were very impressed and so happy we got to experience it!!!

Fantastic experience: We had my son’s birthday party at HGG and it was the best party he ever had. My son and his friends had a blast, they loved the obstacles and challenges. Even if the kids have different physical levels , no one felt left behind, all smiles until the end. Sam, AJ and Ethan were great with the kids . They did everything, very organized and well planned party. No wasted time. The parents loved watching the kids being active and yet having fun. My son wants his birthday party to be at HGG every year. And I’m ok with it .Aside from birthday party, we love their day camp during school closures , in fact we are doing a day camp this coming Fall break . I highly recommend this place .

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience for my son’s birthday party! The facility is clean and fun for the kids. The staff were engaging, energetic and patient - and took extra care with the kids who were nervous and timid. My son and his buddies had a great time, and the best part - I didn’t have to do a thing! They took care of everything including cake and pizza service. Definitely recommend for a birthday party or classes!

Fantastic experience: HGG has been a fantastic experience with our two boys. Sam, Paul and Marty carefully plan each weeks lessons to consider the outcomes and lessons for the kids. Their philosophy and attention to kids psychology is appreciated as a parent. My boys have definitely grown in attention, discipline, and taking themselves more seriously.

Fantastic experience: Our kids recently did the HGG Summer Leadership Camp and had such an enjoyable time. The camp mixes all different age groups and teaches them to work together as a team. They did different activities each day and my kids still show me how to roll my clothes to pack and are so proud of themselves for learning to tie various knots and wrap wounds. The instructors are so good with kids and made it a great experience!

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been with Hot Ground Gym for a few months and she is in love with the place! Coach Sam and his guys are experts with kids and definitely know how to boost up kids' confidences and generate laughter. They also managed to change obstacle settings all the time and never failed to surprise my daughter with new stuff. My daughter also just celebrated her 8th birthday at the end of July. It was a great experience and all kids loved it! The most exciting part was cutting the cake with the sword and sitting in the kayak lifted by all her friends.

Fantastic experience: Me and my wife are very happy from the summer camp because of the many physical activities that the kids participate in. These help the kids develop good motor and teamwork skills. Our son really liked the coaches as well. We very highly recommend the camp.

Fantastic experience: Loved having our 6yo's birthday party at HGG! They take care of everything, you just have to book it and show up! The kids were totally entertained and worn out :) plus a handful of our partygoers who hadn't been there before ended up signing up for a couple weeks of summer camp!

Fantastic experience: During the past 6 years of being a part of HGG, we have never been disappointed with their obstacle courses, activities, and staff members. The facility is always kept clean sanitized, and safe. Each class is physically and mentally challenging but the staff members make sure each child is having fun.

Fantastic experience: My 8-year-old son had his birthday party at Hot Ground Gym last weekend, and it was honestly the best birthday party we've ever hosted (including those we've hosted for our 13-year-old daughter)! Not only was the kids' activity itself amazing and so well-organized, but from the moment we arrived, the staff took over with organizing the food, decorations, favors, tablecloths, cakes, everything! Within 15 minutes, they had everything looking perfect and were ready to greet our guests. They had the attention of every 8-year-old there right off the bat and even methodically squirted hand sanitizer into each hand before they started their fun. They served the pizza we brought in (wearing clean rubber gloves), made sure everyone had drinks at the tables and even did a cool lighting and cutting ceremony with our birthday boy and his cake. The moms at the party were so impressed with the entire production. The highlight of the party was when all of the kids followed commands right on cue to lift our son up in a kayak and walk him around the room on their shoulders! The kids were all so proud of themselves for working as a team, and my son felt incredibly special. I highly recommend HGG - great people, and a very well-run business!

Fantastic experience: Amazing experience for both my 12 year-old boy and 6 year-old girl. Invaluable lessons on leadership, teamwork, and respect in a fun and safe environment. It is clear that Doug and Sam have built something special in coaching and mentoring young women and men to develop character and integrity, all while building confidence in themselves.

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is the activity that we have been looking for! Our nine year old daughter attended both a trial class and a summer Leadership Camp session. We are beyond impressed with how each was facilitated and plan on signing up for future sessions. The kids are given the opportunity to learn and demonstrate what they have been taught. For example, we witnessed our daughter learning how to use an electric impact drill. Sam, the instructor, explained what the tool was, how it worked, and stressed safety. That knowledge is, then, applied by the children to actually create things that they can use in a practical sense. In this case, they built a ladder using the drill, screws, and wood and then carried it (together) to a tower where they each proved that what they made was useful and worked! Working together provided a chance to exercise those communication and problem-solving muscles. They learn to pay attention, ask questions, and teach others. They also learn what it means to commit and follow-through. Physical activity is plentiful at Hot Ground gym! The intentional play and military bootcamp-style structures are designed to build mental-toughness and agility. The children have a chance to freely explore and challenge themselves. This allows them to practice doing something, seemingly, physically hard or impossible - and that they likely are not able to do at home. Hot Ground is the place for it! It proves to them that they can do it and are able to see their progress if they don't give up. I don't think Hot Ground Gym would let anyone give up without positive encouragement from everyone in the entire gym. What I've seen, so far, is a motivating environment where safety and challenging one's self are beautifully interwoven for a memorable fun experience. It is not a gym where kids just pass the time. Their own effort enriches them. It is amazing to see! Parents with a positive military experience would easily understand Hot Ground's philosophy of strengthening our future and building character. Those without a military background will still appreciate the personal growth that is achieved through a child-appropriate similar experience.

Fantastic experience: We cannot recommend HGG to enough ppl.Sseriously they are the best staff, enviroment and training for kids. We attend class weekly and could not be happier with them. We had our son's birthday party there and friends raved about how much fun they had. it's a wonderful amazing expierence for so many

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is the activity that we have been looking for! Our nine year old daughter attended both a trial class and a summer Leadership Camp session. We are beyond impressed with how each was facilitated and plan on signing up for future sessions. The kids are given the opportunity to learn and demonstrate what they have been taught. For example, we witnessed our daughter learning how to use an electric impact drill. Sam, the instructor, explained what the tool was, how it worked, and stressed safety. That knowledge is, then, applied by the children to actually create things that they can use in a practical sense. In this case, they built a ladder using the drill, screws, and wood and then carried it (together) to a tower where they each proved that what they made was useful and worked! Working together provided a chance to exercise those communication and problem-solving muscles. They learn to pay attention, ask questions, and teach others. They also learn what it means to commit and follow-through. Physical activity is plentiful at Hot Ground gym! The intentional play and military bootcamp-style structures are designed to build mental-toughness and agility. The children have a chance to freely explore and challenge themselves. This allows them to practice doing something, seemingly, physically hard or impossible - and that they likely are not able to do at home. Hot Ground is the place for it! It proves to them that they can do it and are able to see their progress if they don't give up. I don't think Hot Ground Gym would let anyone give up without positive encouragement from everyone in the entire gym. What I've seen, so far, is a motivating environment where safety and challenging one's self are beautifully interwoven for a memorable fun experience. It is not a gym where kids just pass the time. Their own effort enriches them. It is amazing to see! Parents with a positive military experience would easily understand Hot Ground's philosophy of strengthening our future and building character. Those without a military background will still appreciate the personal growth that is achieved through a child-appropriate similar experience.

Fantastic experience: Both of my boys have loved Hot Ground Gym for years. Each class is loaded with exercise and education and the classes just keep getting better. It's obvious to us that the leaders at Hot Ground really care about our kids and they really want to guide this generation for a better future. The birthday party was fantastic! Every parent was blown away at how everything was handled and how much their kids loved it there. It's a lot more than your average party. We love being a part of this program and we truly believe in what they stand for.

Fantastic experience: My children love this place. We travel 20+ minutes to get here because they are amazing. They do everything they can to build confidence in every child. Everyone I know who tries it, loves it. We have also done a birthday party here and they literally do not want the parents to lift a finger. I rarely leave reviews, but this place is fantastic.

Fantastic experience: My daughter is a member and loves it!! I also took my school age classroom at my daycare center there for an event and they all came back and told their parents they want to go again! Sam is great with children, knows how to talk to them and makes them believe in their self! It was a great experience!!

Fantastic experience: SO MUCH FUN! We took our Daisy troop and they had a BLAST! The owner was engaging, entertaining, energetic, and enthusiastic, and by the end the girls were exhausted. I joked that he should teach Kindergarten bc the girls loved him. What a fun way to build confidence, improve teamwork and communication, push physical limits, and alleviate stress! Five stars for Hot Ground Gym Libertyville!

Fantastic experience: Both me and my son take classes here and love it! Summer camp was so cool and full of all different experiences definitely a one of a kind program. Adult classes are so fun and again very different from other types of workouts!! Highly recommend this for a fun but hard workout!

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is the best place to throw a birthday party! Kids and parents all loved the obstacle courses and team building. Everything is very well organized and they made the planning easy for me. The kids were running around and entertained the entire time. The adults were able to watch and enjoy their kiddos challenge themselves and work as a team with amazing instructors. The parents kept saying what a wonderful party it was- we can't wait to come back. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: My daughter had her 11 birthday party at Hot Ground Gym. It was an amazing experience. Doug and Sam know how to keep all kids engaged and having fun. It was a very unique experience and fun was had by all! I highly recommend for parties, classes, camp and days off of school!

Fantastic experience: I have been taking my girls to Hot Ground Gym for about 5 years now, and they both love it! The instructors are awesome and so great with kids. My girls are always excited to come to class, and I know a huge part of that is the instructors. The instructors are always there to help them with an obstacle if needed or challenge them to try it a new or more difficult way. They also love the variety of activities done during class, and the classes are different every week! They always love the mission at the end of class. We recently tried a no-school day camp, and they absolutely loved it and cannot wait for another one!

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is a super fun place. We do classes there and our child loves it. They have new and fun challenges every week that really stretch the kids. It's also a blast for birthday parties, they are super friendly and the all the kids have a great time.

Fantastic experience: My 6 year old son Luke has attended Hot Ground Gym classes for a couple of months now, as well as the day off school camps and we have nothing but positive things to say about it. Following the camp, Luke said to me, "Mom, can I go there everyday instead of going to school?" Needless to say, he LOVES it and can't get enough. He is learning how to work with others, communicate, and LISTEN (Sam has helped him with his listening skills so much already). The physical strengthening and leadership skills he is gaining are so critical to his development. We are so happy to have found HGG and hope to continue with classes for a long time!

Fantastic experience: We LOVE HGG! They have given our children a huge confidence boost. Now, the kids are learning how to be leaders and teachers, in addition to the physical workout they get. Every class is different, fun and engaging. The work they do with the kids is truely amazing. My kids look forward to class every week as well as the day off school camps and the summer leadership camp.

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground is such a great find! The instructors and very professional, engaged and FUN and our daughter has learned a lot about team work and some really important safety skills, all while getting great exercise and building confidence. The camps are great as well as the weekly classes. Thank you!!

Fantastic experience: Sam, Doug, and the entire Hot Ground team are amazing. My son, Ethan, has been involved with Hot Ground Gym for almost 6 years and it has made such a difference in his life. His confidence and self-worth is better, and he loves the challenge and commraderie at Hot Ground Gym. He started in their summer camp many years ago and because of that experience he has stuck with Hot Ground Gym through classes, camps, and is now helping to lead with them. I cannot advocate enough how amazing their program is for developing kids/teens in today's world into kind, compassionate, and driven individuals!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been taking my kids to Hot Ground Gym for many years, and I have yet to find another program like theirs. My boys learned how to work well in groups and to be leaders. They know being a proper leader isn’t about thinking only of themselves but also considering everyone around them. The instructors are patient and kind and always work with the kids when they need help completing an obstacle. They’re great role models and I’m glad we found the program when we did. High recommend them.

Fantastic experience: Paul and his team have been truly fantastic for both my boys (ages 9 and 6). On the outside, this course appears to be agility and teamwork training. However, once you are part of their program, it turns out to be so much more. The team hits a perfect balance between being supportive and caring for the kids and also being firm/concrete with their directions and assurance that the kids can, indeed, accomplish the amazing "missions" they partake in each week. From the great music they play to motivate the kids, to the really phenomenal life lessons the kids listen to as they are planning out their next task, Paul and his team truly have a program that is fully rounded to develop the kids into confident, respectful adults. I cannot recommend Hot Ground Gym more!

Fantastic experience: We have had an unbelievably incredible experience with Hot Ground! There is obviously the physical fitness aspect of the gym which is outstanding and the leaders really know how to engage the kids and make fitness fun and exciting but what the instructors do for little ones confidence and leadership skills is unbelievable! Our son has become so much more willing to try things that he may not succeed at the first time, and we have noticed a huge positive difference in his attitude at home. Hot Ground Gym is unique, exciting and something that I would, and have recommended to all parents!

Fantastic experience: Yesterday, we hosted my son’s 7th birthday party at Hot Ground Gym Vernon Hills. It was an INCREDIBLE experience for this group of boys. Not only were they challenged physically but they also got to work as a team, problem solve, and have FUN without technology! The staff was polite and friendly and the facility was exceptionally clean and well maintained. As a parent and pediatric PT, I would highly recommend checking out this facility and what it has to offer. I believe that children, now more than ever, need movement, exercise / physical activity and adult driven structure that promotes confidence and positive self esteem. The philosophy of this organization and what I witnessed at my son’s party absolutely support these needs. My family will definitely consider their summer camps and classes in the future. Thanks so much Hot Ground Gym!

Fantastic experience: We love Hot Ground Gym! We responded to a Facebook ad and signed up our son after his free trial day. He had tried multiple sports and organizations but never found one that he wanted to continue long-term. Hot Ground Gym was totally different and intriguing as they combined physical activity with leadership and practical skills development. In the subsequent eight months, we have seen progressive growth in confidence, purpose, respect and physical strength. The staff takes the time to get to know each student and provides ongoing feedback and encouragement. The class focus changes every week, the leaders are smart and dedicated, and we highly encourage other parents to explore it.

Fantastic experience: My son and I both LOVE Hot Ground Gym. After attending a birthday party here we enrolled right away for classes. Each week my son has improved not only in the class, but at home as well. His respect, and disciple has had significant improvements, and he is also improving physically. He loves going to class each week, and as soon as we leave he asks when we can go back because he feels accomplished and proud of the work he puts in there. Paul and all the staff are so great with the kids, and they are teaching them life skills for both in and outside the gym. As a single mom, it's great for my son to have some male role models he can respect and look up too! My son has ADHD and this has been the most responsive and focused he has ever been at an after school activity. I highly recommend this gym for all children, but especially kids that may have some learning challenges.

Fantastic experience: My son has been attending for three months, and I am incredibly impressed by Hot Ground Gym. My son absolutely loves the classes and raves to his friends and family members about it. The instructors are professional and well-trained, and show great care for the development of the kids. It’s clear each week the significant effort and time that Paul and his team put into developing new obstacles and challenges for the kids to help them to continue to learn and grow. I would highly recommend Hot Ground Gym to any parent who is looking for a class that provides great physical activity but also leadership, discipline and teamwork skills that are invaluable to kids as they move through life.

Fantastic experience: Both my sons (12 and 7 y.o.) have been taken classes with Hot Ground Gym Vernon Hills for over two years, and they love it. In comparison to many other obstacle classes/facilities, it’s not just about running around. They do run, climb and jump, but it’s a lot about challenge, courage, commitment, confidence, teamwork and accomplishment. I can see my kids getting physically stronger (my older son improved a lot in his PE school class), but also changing their way to deal with difficulties and failure. Besides, they feel that they “belong”, which I think is important at their age. The facility itself is spacious, well maintained and clean. The program is very engaging, personally I enjoy watching the instructors working with children. They also change the course every week, so it’s not getting boring. The first two thirds of the class are several obstacle trainings united by one theme, and the last third is a mission that takes a team effort to complete. Missions are always a lot of fun (and challenge), and I don’t remember any of them repeating during the last two years.

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is a one-of-a-kind place where children have fun exercising while learning discipline, respect, and teamwork. The obstacle courses increase in complexity for older children. Weekly obstacle course changes keep our children fully engaged. The staff have aided our children who struggled or feared an obstacle. My children have also been held accountable to complete the obstacle course correctly. The individual growth seen from just the first class is truly awesome and continues session after session! I cannot say enough amazing things about Hot Ground Gym in Vernon Hills. Paul and Marty make working out fun, build confidence and develop life skills for our three children (age 5-9). Both my husband and I highly recommend Hot Ground Gym. Thanks for strengthening our children for the future!

Fantastic experience: I can not say enough about the amazing staff who runs Hot Ground Gym. My son has been attending weekly classes for about 6 months and has gained strength and confidence through the weekly obstacles courses and teamwork challenges. I highly recommend these classes to also help with discipline, respect and a good dose of healthy exercise!

Fantastic experience: We have been part of the Hot Ground Gym family since February of 2019 and I can't begin to describe how wonderful this experience has been for our entire family! Both kids have developed a sense of confidence that can only been taught through experience and trust. The staff has taken the time to engage each kid as a group but also individually. We just celebrated our son's birthday last week there and the kids are already asking to have another party there next year!!!!!!

Fantastic experience: From start to finish Hot Ground Gym continued to impress while we had my daughters 10th Birthday Party. It was beyond what we expected. Such a great experience for everyone. The physical and mental challenges are set up just right. Paul and Joe did and exceptional job and got everyone engaged and having fun. I would highly recommend hosting your event with Hot Ground Gym.

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym is a unique and extraordinary experience for children. Each time our son and our daughter attend classes or camp they are physically and mentally challenged. They leave each day with pride, enthusiasm and unexplainable energy. Paul, Marty, and the rest of the hot ground staff give each child the confidence to succeed and push them outside their comfort zone. They teach responsibility, respect, leadership skills, teamwork, life skills, survival skills and how to think outside the box. 2019 summer camp has been the best camp to date. Our kids were active all day, helped build obstacles, completed challenging missions, played at the beach, and experienced being a team leader! Hot Ground Gym is inclusive to children of all interests and abilities. Thank You Paul and Marty for creating a fun environment for our kids and their friends.

Fantastic experience: Hot Ground Gym and the guys who run it are great. The structured class and boot camp/obstacle course format is fun and challenging for my 6 year old. She’s always running and smiling! We also had her 7th birthday party there with about 15 kids and they had a blast. It’s nice to have the whole gym reserved for your party and the veteran owned gym is really well organized and run. The guys are super nice and awesome with kids. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: My son has been coming to Hot Ground for almost a year and it is the best choice ever. He has been able to set and achieve personal goals as well as conquer some fears. Challenges himself, gets a work out, and all this while having fun! :) He did the Summer Camp which was amazing, still rants and raves about it. We recently celebrated his birthday, at this location, and we were beyond satisfied with the attention and the effort into making this day special, not just for my son, but for all his guest. Thank you Paul and the entire team!

Fantastic experience: We recently hosted a joint birthday party for our two sons at the Hot Ground Gym in Vernon Hills. The party was an overwhelming success. Both my boys, and their guests, had fantastic times. All nearly 20 kids were kept engaged and SUPER busy for the allotted obstacle time. Paul and the rest of the staff did a great job building the confidence of all the kids—not one of them refused to do an obstacle. It was amazing watching these kids scale the 5 foot wall!!! Even the parents of the guests were engaged (and took plenty of photos) while they watched their kids run, jump, climb, and shuffle. Then it was time for singing, cake (cut with sabers), and one final obstacle course! It was a great time and I would highly recommend Hot Ground Gym for a birthday party!!!

Fantastic experience: We had our son's 9th birthday party at Hot Ground Gym and it was a fantastic experience. The instructors were really great - they were engaged with the kids and coaching them throughout, not just going through the motions. It was also nice to have the entire space dedicated to our party, even though we only had about 10 children. The equipment is in good shape, everything was clean, instructors were great, kids had a great time, what's not to love?